Definition

Adverb: * In a manner characterized by or accompanied by tears; while crying or weeping.

Usage

• The adverb "tearfully" describes how an action is performed. It is used to modify a verb, indicating that the action (such as speaking, apologizing, or recounting a story) is done while the person is crying or with a voice choked with emotion.
• It often precedes the main verb it modifies (e.g., "She tearfully described...") or follows a linking verb like "spoke" (e.g., "He spoke tearfully.").

Examples

• The child tearfully apologized for breaking the vase.
• She tearfully recounted the story of her lost dog to the neighbors.
• "I didn't mean to do it," he said tearfully.

Advanced Usage

• "Tearfully admit/confess": A common collocation where someone admits to something while overcome with emotion.
  • The witness tearfully admitted she had not seen the accident clearly.
• "Tearfully bid farewell": Used to describe an emotional goodbye.
  • The soldiers tearfully bid farewell to their families.

Variants and Related Words

• Tearful (adjective): Full of tears; inclined to cry.
  • She gave a tearful speech at the wedding.
• Tearfulness (noun): The state or quality of being tearful.
  • The tearfulness in her voice was unmistakable.

Synonyms

• Weepily: While weeping.
• Sobbingly: While sobbing.
• Lachrymosely (formal/literary): In a tearful manner.

Antonyms

• Cheerfully: In a happy and optimistic manner.
• Dry-eyed: Without shedding tears; not crying.

Adverb

1. with tears; in a tearful manner
   • the man confessed tearfully to having beaten his wife